Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.

His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

A Remarkable Return to Form

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."

His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited talks of an England recall.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."